Washington

JONES, Walter Alonzo & Walter Edwin

Biography of Walter Alonzo JONES (father of Walter Edwin)

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, p 227 
(portrait p 227)

Walter Alonzo JONES, late of Waitsfield, was born 27 July 1840 in Waitsfield 
[Washington County, Vermont], son of Hiram and Laura (CARPENTER) JONES. The 
boyhood and youth of Mr. JONES were spent on his father's farm, and he 
received his primary education in the public schools, after which he fitted 
for college at Barre Academy. In the fall of 1861 he entered the University 
of Vermont, but was obliged to leave in his sophomore year on account of 
ill-health. He was graduated from the medical college at Pittsfield 
[Berkshire County], Massachusetts, in 1865, and practiced his profession for 
a short time at Fabius [Onondaga County], New York, and afterwards in his 
native town. In 1868 he, with others, bought the somewhat extensive 
mercantile business of his uncle, and this soon after came into his hands 
exclusively, for which reason he relinquished the practice of his profession 
and devoted himself to business pursuits.

Dr. JONES was actively identified with town affairs, especially interesting 
himself in educational progress, and to him more than any other is due the 
great improvement and enviable reputation of the schools of Waitsfield. He 
represented his town in 1880 and 1882, serving each term as chairman of the 
grand list committee. His well demonstrated capacity for affairs, the high 
esteem in which he was held, easily gave him the nomination to the state 
Senate in 1888. This was his last public service.

Dr. JONES was a leading and consistent member of the Congregational church 
and had its interests always at heart. For fourteen years he acted as 
superintendent of the Sunday school. On 17 November 1869 at Waitsfield 
[Washington County, Vermont] he [Dr. Walter Alonzo JONES] married Elvira, 
daughter of Jedediah and Naomi (JOSLIN) BUSHNELL, and of this union there 
were born two sons: Matt B. and Walter E. Dr. [Walter Alonzo] JONES died 09 
February 1892, not before the people of the state of Vermont had learned and 
appreciated his worth, so that they sorrowed for the loss of a good man, a 
valuable citizen, a wise counsellor, and a trusted friend.

Biography of Walter Edwin JONES (son of Walter Alonzo)

Encyclopedia Vermont Biography: A Series of Authentic Biographical Sketches 
of the Representative Men of Vermont and Sons of Vermont in Other States. 
Dodge. Burlington: Ullery Publishing Company, 1912, p 239

Walter Edwin JONES, Waitsfield, was born 15 April 1874 at Waitsfield 
[Washington County, Vermont], son of Walter A. and Elvira (BUSHNELL) JONES. 
Educated at Waitsfield public schools, and a graduate of St. Johnsbury 
Academy, 1894. Began a general merchandise business in 1895. Republican; is 
town clerk and school director. In religious belief a Congregationalist. 
Member of Mad River Valley Lodge No. 77, Free & Accepted Masons; Vermont 
Historical Society; and Vermont Sons of American Revolution. In 1899 Walter 
Edwin JONES married Jessica M. BAKER, of St. Johnsbury [Caledonia County, 
Vermont], who died in 1908; they had one daughter, Ruth B.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly